HAPPY NEW YEAR FROM OUR TEAM TO YOU!!! When you think about your New Year's resolutions...make sure to include your oral health! Check out this great article with some good starting points! FROM ARTICLE - Add Oral Health to the Top of Your 2013 List - Delta Dental of New Jersey With the New Year approaching, you've probably begun to think about setting some resolutions. New Year's resolutions often include goals for losing weight or living a healthier lifestyle, but why not make one (or many) of those resolutions to improve your dental health? For those who aspire to better their oral health in 2013, Delta Dental offers the following suggestions to help make these resolutions work. Resolution #1 – Brush and floss regularly. The daily routine of brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and flossing daily is the foundation for maintaining healthy teeth and gums. The sooner you can brush following a meal, the better. The longer food stays stuck to your teeth, the more acid is produced that erodes tooth enamel. Make sure you are brushing and flossing correctly by checking out these brushing and flossing step-by-step videos. Resolution #2 – Visit a dentist in 2013. When was your last check-up? Dentists do more than just check and clean teeth. So don't delay making an appointment for the New Year. They can also check for signs of serious health problems like oral cancer and gum disease and alert patients to signs of potential medical conditions on up to 120 diseases. If you've been avoiding a check-up because you have a phobia of the dental chair, this video has tips to help you fight your fear of the dentist. Resolution #3 – Quit Smoking! Consuming products like cigarettes, cigars, and smokeless tobacco is arguably the single most destructive oral health habit. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), half of the cases of severe gum disease in U.S. adults can be attributed to cigarette smoking, and the prevalence of gum disease is three times higher among smokers than non-smokers.1. To get started on the right foot, check out this video for some tips on how to quit smoking. Resolution #4 – Eat sweets in moderation. The ancient Greek philosopher Aristotle advised, "Moderation in all things" and that rings especially true for sweet snacks. Tooth decay occurs when sweets or simple carbohydrates like those in chips or crackers mix with bacteria in the sticky plaque that forms on your teeth to produce acid, potentially destroying tooth enamel. The more times during the day that your teeth are exposed to sugar, the longer the acids attack. Try incorporating healthy snacks that can help fight plaque and keep enamel strong. Resolution #5 – Wear a mouthguard when playing contact sports. Participating in a competitive adult sports league is a fun way to incorporate exercise into your schedule but there can be significant risk of contact with your teeth. There isn't sufficient evidence to suggest that mouthguards prevent concussions, but they do absorb and distribute forces that impact the mouth, teeth, face, and jaw when an athlete takes a hit to the face. Wearing a mouthguard can prevent chipped, fractured, displaced or dislodged teeth, fractured or displaced jaws, TMJ trauma, and lacerations to the lips and mouth that result from the edges of the teeth. Make it your New Year's resolution to take better care of your mouth and teeth. A healthier smile will give you confidence! So, when you're shopping for new workout clothes, don't forget to pick up a new toothbrush too!

The Importance of Your Dental Hygienist

ARTICLE FROM DENTAL HEALTH MAGAZINE... Why You Should be Visiting a Dental Hygienist Regularly Your dental hygienist could be your best defense against tooth loss and your best asset in protecting your oral and general health. A dental hygienist is an integral part of the dental team who is specially trained to manage and prevent periodontal (gum) disease and to educate you about keeping your mouth healthy. Periodontal Disease Approximately 75% of tooth loss in adults is caused by periodontal disease, a disease that is totally preventable. It is estimated that 3 out of 4 adults aged 35 and over are suffering from some level of gum disease. With an ever increasing amount of research linking periodontal disease to conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, Alzheimer and cancer it has never been more important to know how to look after your mouth. Your dentist assesses your gum health by completing a basic periodontal exam or a BPE, this is done by using a specialised measuring probe to measure the space between the tooth and the gum at specific points around your mouth. The space between the tooth and the gum in a healthy mouth is very small and healthy gums will not bleed when probed. As periodontal disease progresses the bone supporting the tooth is destroyed causing a ‘pocket’ between the tooth and the gum, it’s this that your dentist is measuring and the results of your BPE will determine the type and frequency of hygiene treatment you will require. Gum Disease Gum disease is caused by the accumulation of plaque on the tooth surfaces; this is a thin sticky deposit of bacteria that is constantly forming. If allowed to accumulate, the by-products released by this bacteria cause irritation to the gums and eventually damage to the surrounding tissues. Other factors affecting gum disease include smoking, stress, diabetes, hormonal changes, genetics, medication and nutrition, it is important to note that 50% of all cases of gum disease are caused by smoking. For some people the diagnosis of gum disease can be a real shock as the disease has very few symptoms, many of which people assume to be normal. In the early stages of gum disease you may notice swelling, soreness and/or bleeding of the gums, this is known as gingivitis and is the only reversible stage of gum disease. As the disease progresses it is known as periodontal disease, the inflammation spreads to the deeper periodontal tissues (tissues surrounding the teeth) and eventually to the bone. Symptoms include bad breath, bad taste, tender gums, bleeding, recession, mobility of teeth and eventual tooth loss. If you are a smoker these symptoms may be absent, this does not mean the disease is not present and active. Although periodontal disease is irreversible, your hygienist can halt its progression and help you preserve your natural teeth and restore health to your mouth. To learn more about periodontal disease and how Dr. Sutor's office can help, Follow us on Facebook or visit our website at www.sutordds.com

JOINT DETERIORATION LINKED TO PERIODONTAL PROBLEMS

Joint Deterioration Linked To Perio Problems

Research is now beginning to link bacterial problems in the mouth to joint deterioration. Read more about this at: http://pandaperio.com/2012/05/21/joint-deterioration-linked-to-periodontal-problems/ If you are one of thousands of people that suffer from daily joint paint, you may want to consider a periodontal exam. We would love to have the opportunity to talk with you about ways to improve your oral health as well as physical health. For more information, please call 812-333-4550, or email us at info@sutordds.com

BENEFITS OF DIGITAL XRAYS

For just a moment, think back to the last time you had conventional x-rays. I'm sure you remember the discomfort of sharp edges against your gums and cheeks as you were asked to bite down on the film. Then, once the films were taken, you had to wait for them to be developed. If any didn’t turn out just right, you had to start all over and bite down on those sharp film packets all over again. GREAT NEWS!!! All that is a thing of the past with digital x-rays.



Digital x-rays don’t require film. Instead, we capture the images via a small computer sensor placed directly in your mouth. Most people find this technique more comfortable, even when we must take the images at difficult angles. And once each x-ray is taken, you can see the results right along with us in real time on a computer that is attached to your dental chair.

But ease of use is not the main reason we chose several years ago to become one of the first practices the area to rely on digital imaging. Most important are the health benefits, superior imaging and user-friendly results.

Although digital x-rays, like conventional, use radiation to capture the images, they require much less of it. Reported results have suggested that the amount of exposure is almost halved. Tests continue to be run to determine the exact amount, but even if the exposure is reduced by less than we currently think, it’s still less. And the less radiation, the better!

In addition, digital images are typically of higher quality than conventional films. They can also be improved through image manipulation. By enlarging, brightening and otherwise clarifying images, we – and you – can get a better view of the condition of your teeth, gums and bone. Consequently, we can often catch problems in their earlier stages – see where bone loss is beginning to occur or the start of interproximal caries (cavities between teeth).

Even better, you, as a client, can more easily view the images. You can see what we see and so better understand your dental situation and our recommendations for care. If you need to be referred to a specialist, it’s also easier for us to get your x-rays to him or her; we can just e-mail them.

The digital x-ray system we use here at Dr. Sutor's office also allows us to view the images in ways that are awkward or time-consuming with conventional films. For instance, we can do side-by-side comparisons of images taken at different times to better chart changes in your dental health. We can switch images from year to year without having to go through your whole chart to find the films we want. Being able to view and compare images more efficiently, we can further broaden our understanding of your dental health and better work with you to maintain or improve it, supporting you in your quest for optimum dental health.

To learn more about the technology used in Dr. Sutor's office visit our website at www.sutordds.com

BATTLE OF THE SEXES?

According to the Journal of Periodontology, research is showing that WOMEN are winning the Periodontal Health Battle of the Sexes! Women are twice as likely to have received a normal dental cleaning as well as schedule recommended treatment following a routine cleaning. Women had better indicators of periodontal health including lower plaque, calculus and bleeding...Read more from this article at

http://www.perio.org/consumer/gender-differences.htm

Maintaining Oral Health During Cancer Therapy

Oral complications that compromise periodontal health, are sometimes a result of cancer therapy. It is extremely important to keep your teeth & gums healthy during this difficult time by seeing a periodontist, Dr. Sutor.



The American Academy of Periodontology gives some possible side effects of cancer treatments:

Inflamed gums and mouth ulcers
Dry mouth
Difficulty speaking, chewing, and swallowing
Erosion of tooth enamel
Loss of taste
Jaw stiffness
Delayed healing

The AAP also suggests before beginning your cancer treatment, an oral evaluation is very important. It will give you the ability to correct potential problems in your mouth and keep them from getting worse or interfering with your cancer treatment.

Chemotherapy and radiation can cause excessive dryness of your mouth. Some helpful tips during treatment are to keep your mouth moist by sipping cool water, ice chips, chew sugarless gum, apply lip balm and use a humidifier at night.

Your periodontist may also prescribe a fluoride treatment for you, or suggest a dry mouth toothpaste or rinse such as Biotene (www.biotene.com)

As your cancer therapy comes to an end, this relationship with your periodontist is still very important to maintain your healthy mouth for a lifetime.

LOVE HEARING FROM OUR PATIENTS!

WHAT WE'VE HEARD FROM OUR PATIENT'S THIS WEEK! THANK YOU ALL! IT IS SUCH A PLEASURE TO BE A PART OF YOUR CARE!

"Hard to get Too Rhapsodic about getting my Teeth cleaned,BUT,as always,Dr.Sutor and Holly were Perfect and It was an important step in my continued Dental Health...Thanks"...Jan B.

"Everyone at the Sutor office seems to take seriously the mission of the office - to provide the absolute best dental care. After my procedure, they met and exceeded that goal. Thank you."...Alicia H.

"Up to date and state of the art technology makes this the Mercedes Benz of Periodontics. Dr. Mark Sutor presents a confident can-do attitude, which suggests competence and high quality care. Staff also projects a caring, professional and personable demeanour, underscoring every nuance of the visit.. There is a payment program for those who can indenture themselves, ..hehe..pun..with differing terms and levels of interest. I would absolutely entrust Dr. Sutor with my care. Two thumbs up to him and his staff!"...Janas W.

"When I first stared coming to Dr. Sutor I was in pretty bad shape. I feel as if we are a team in the effort to help me keep my teeth and prevent further damage."...Lila J.

Do You Have Exposed Roots?

Gum recession is the gradual loss or retraction of the soft tissue of the gums, eventually exposing the roots of the teeth.

The visible part of your tooth, is buffered by a hard coating of enamel, but the roots are much more vulnerable. One of the first signs of gum recession is teeth that are highly sensitive to cold and heat at the gumline. Even though gum recession is a common problem, if it is left untreated over time it can leave teeth more susceptible to cavities and infection.
Gum recession tends to progress slowly over time and gets worse with age. One cause is gum disease, or an inflammation of the gums. Other factors in gum recession are poor oral hygiene, the use of tobacco, and/or a genetic predisposition to thin bones and gums. Terrence Griffin, chair of the department of periodontology at Tufts University School of Dental Medicine, says that “for most people the problem is an anatomical defect.’’ Teeth that are not set properly in the bone of the jaw and stick out are at higher risk of gum recession. For that reason, he says, recession is sometimes seen later in life in people who have had braces, because teeth have been moved outward to reduce crowding. Sometimes brushing too vigorously can wear down the gums, but Griffin says that with today’s softer brushes it’s rare to see gum recession caused by abrasion. Clenching and grinding the teeth at night can exacerbate the problem, and wearing a bite guard at night may help in those cases.

For the most part, however, gum recession “is very difficult to prevent,’’ Griffin says. Orthodontics to fix prominent or crooked teeth may help ward off recession at those sites. Good oral hygiene and regular cleanings of tarter buildup by a dentist can help keep teeth free of gum recession caused by gum disease.

Early treatment is the best way to avoid tooth decay, tooth loss, and infection. Dr. Sutor performs a Gum Grafting procedure here in our practice that is a very common treatment and often involves taking tissue from the roof of the mouth and attaching it to remaining gum tissue. In some cases, Dr. Sutor chooses a synthetic grafting material as it can serve a better solution in some scenarios. After a grafting procedure, the patient generally can expect to resume their normal routine within a couple days and in many cases the next day.

Our awesome team would love to speak with you anytime! Call at 333-4550 or visit our website at www.sutordds.com for more information on the gum grafting procedure. We'd love to have the opportunity to meet with you to answer any questions you may have and be able to be a part of improving your oral health for a lifetime!

What Does My Tooth Socket Have To Do With An Ice Cream Cone?

When you are having a tooth removed, your surgeon MUST be careful to be as atraumatic as possible. Why? "Think of your tooth socket as an empty ice cream cone". The walls can easily collapse, especially where the bone is thinnest such as the surfaces facing the cheeks and lips where gum recession will show. Modern tooth removal techniques and bone grafting products, make it very easy to maintain or replace bone in extraction sockets. Small amount of bone grafting material is placed in the empty socket, then the body begins to build its own bone upon that material and eventually replaces it with good solid bone. This process prepares an excellent scenario for a permanent solution: a dental implant to be placed for an ideal long term result replacing only that missing tooth and not bothering the healthy teeth on either side, that could be compromised by a bridge or partial. Call us today for your complimentary consultation or check out our website for more information regarding this service we provide as well as many others!

(Dear Doctor article referenced)

AWESOME PATIENT TESTIMONIAL!

Had one of our patients Don H. write us such a kind note this morning and we just had to share! We loves these reminders of why we do what we do every day! Thanks Don!

"Nine years ago, I received 2 implants for my front teeth. Dr. Sutor and his staff did such a remarkable job that today I even forget they are implants. For 20 years I was ashamed to show my teeth and now I have a movie star smile, not to mention being able to eat properly. It's a great feeling! I absolutely cannot say enough good things about my experience. Dr. Sutor is an amazingly skilled surgeon who is also extremely gentle and caring. If you are afraid to get in the dentist chair, then your best bet is to visit him. He'll take care of you."

Menopause and Your Teeth

Research shows that as you approach menopause, your gums and teeth need extra care!

Typical signs of menopause that you might experience include your periods becoming irregular, your sleep isn't great and the calendar is inching toward 50. Ask your dentist at your next cleaning appointment whether he/she detects any signs of menopause involving your oral health. Dentists say they often notice that as women approach menopause, their gum tissues becomes more swollen or there's unusual bleeding.

Its been noted that menopausal women may have a higher risk of gum disease caused by plaque, which is a sticky film of bacteria that forms on your teeth. You already know that you need to remove plaque by daily brushing and flossing and regular visits to the dentist to get rid of plaque build-up. This is especially important as you approach menopause.

The hormonal fluctuations preceding menopause can make gums even more sensitive to plaque. Left untreated, plaque irritates and inflames gums. As the disease progresses, your gums separate from your teeth and form little pockets where more bacteria grows. Dental x-rays can also show something about the health of your bones. Loose teeth could also be a sign of thinning bones.

There are some cases of gum disease that your dentist can monitor for you, but if the gum disease progresses, it is very important to seek the help of a specialist (periodontist) such as Dr. Sutor who manages a variety of gum disease conditions every day. An easy way to decide whether you have a type of condition that needs to be managed by a periodontist is to ask your dentist about your "gum score" which is determined by your dentist using a periodontal probe or ruler to measure the pockets around your teeth. This should be done annually! If you have other questions about periodontal disease and how and why it is important to see a periodontist, call us at 812-333-4550 and talk to one of our experienced team members, visit our website at www.sutordds.com or check out our facebook page which always has lots of valuable information.

Make sure you have your dental appointment every 6 months on your list of New Year's resolutions this year! It's an easy one to keep!

* Some information in this article obtained from health.lifegoesstrong.com *

Can My Dental Health Be Connected to My Physical Health?

A recent article in the Huffington Post states...“During the winter months we’re all susceptible to colds, coughs and chesty viruses due to the drop in temperature.

"What people must remember, particularly those highlighted as vulnerable, is that prevention can be very basic. Systemic links between gum disease and overall health have been well documented, and at this time of year keeping up good oral health can really help stave off illness."

He added: "Simply brushing your teeth for two minutes twice a day using a fluoride toothpaste, cleaning in between teeth daily with interdental brushes or floss, cutting down on how often you have sugary foods and drinks and visiting the dentist regularly, as often as they recommend will be a great starting point.

"If you have swollen gums that bleed regularly when brushing, bad breath, loose teeth or regular mouth infections appear, it is likely you have gum disease.

Visit our website at www.sutordds.com, get in touch with us at 812-333-4550 or check out our office facebook to learn more about how Dr. Sutor can help you discover the state of your oral health.

STRESSING OUT THIS HOLIDAY SEASON?

Money worries, family in town for the holidays, Christmas shopping, believe it or not, the season’s stresses may show up in your mouth.

Watch out for signs of stress-related oral disorders!

Research has shown that emotional factors played a significant role in the development of adult gum (periodontal) disease. Researchers also discovered that the severity of gum disease increased with amount of stress (from spouse, children, lack of companionship, finances or work) experienced in a patient’s previous 12 months.

Fight those Holiday Stressers with the following helpful hints...

Remove the source of stress. If that’s not possible, these other activities may help reduce your tension:

Counseling
Exercise such as yoga or jogging
Relaxation or meditation
Massage
Physical therapy

It’s also important to continue to practice good oral hygiene. People who are going through stressful events tend to compromise their oral care. To prevent stress from affecting your oral health, you should continue to brush twice a day, floss every day and have your gums and teeth regularly evaluated by your dentist.

Dr. Sutor & his team here at the Periodontal & Dental Implant Center of Southern Indiana wish all of our family and friends the happiest of holidays and a Merry Christmas!

Don't Let Bad Breath Ruin Your Christmas Kiss!

Tis the season for mistletoe...don't let bad breath ruin your Christmas kiss!

Men's Health - October 2011 had a great article on making sure to have your dentist/periodontist check out your bad breath dilemma. Check it out online!

Christmas hint from the elf: Pick yourself up a pack of eucalyptus gum!

Merry Christmas from our office to you all!

Dental Health Throughout the Stages of Your Life

Stages of your Life - 20's & 30's

Things to keep an eye on:

Sensitivity - the aging process causes gums to recede naturally which exposes the rooth of our teeth; enamel begins to soften as well. These 2 occurences can cause shock or zing when eating something cold. Proper brushing techniques are key to avoiding receding gums as well as using a soft bristled brush and hold it at a 45 to 60 degree angle toward your gums - gently brush up and down, not side to side; as that side to side motion can be hard on our gums. Choosing a toothpaste or mouth rinse with fluoride can also be helpful. Dr. Sutor does a minor surgical procedure here in our office that can repair the tissue around a root where gum tissue has receded. Call our office and speak to one of our experienced team members about how Dr. Sutor can help with this very common gum condition.

Stress - Stress can cause grinding and gnashing of your teeth. Often this occurs while you're sleeping so you are unaware of it. This type of trauma to your teeth causes your teeth to wear down and increases your risk for cavities. You should check with your dentist if you often wake up with headaches or a sore jaw. He/she can fit make you a protective mouth guard for you to wear at night.

Soda - Soda pop is very acidic, and the acid content in those soda can erode enamel of our teeth. Using a straw can decrease the liquid's contact with your teeth, and make sure to rinse out your mouth with water after you drink. It seems odd, but don't brush your teeth immediately after you have acidic foods or drinks as it can actually worsen the erosion.

Cosmetic Considerations - It is not too late for braces at any age to fix a uneven or crooked smile. Invisalign is a nice alternative to the traditional braces and can work equally as well. Check with your dentist or an orthodontist to find out your options.

Stages of your Life - 40's

Older Fillings - Whether you have a white or tooth colored filling or a silver filling, over time fillings begin to loosen, crack, and wear down causing decay in our teeth. See your dentist regularly for them to evaluate the condition of your fillings.

Gums - Research has shown that there is a link between periodontitis (gum disease) and an increased risk for cardiovascular disease, diabetes, respiratory conditions, and many other health issues. If your gums are sore or red, or if they bleed when you floss, talk to your dentist, who should refer you to a peridontist (Dr. Mark Sutor :)) so that they can properly evaluate the stage of your gum condition. There are so many up to date ways to treat gum disease at this time that you can have this condition treated many times with minimal discomfort and time involved. Dr. Sutor has successfully treated thousands of Hoosiers with a variety of stages of gum disease over the last 20 years. In recent years, he has begun using a unique laser that provides patients the same quality of treatment with minimal discomfort. Call our office to find out more!

Exercise Level - Whether you believe it or not, how active you are, may determine the health of your smile. Studies have shown that people who had the lowest BMI were at the lowest risk for periodontal disease. Results did not determine for sure why people who take care of their bodies seem to take better care of their teeth, but that did seem to be the case.

Cosmetic Considerations - While we love to enjoy our coffee, tea and wine, over time they may tend to cause staining of your teeth. Talk with your dentist about the different whitening options available to you whether in office or over the counter.

Stages of your Life - 50's & 60's

Dry Mouth - Medications can often cause your to experience a "dry mouth". Saliva is very important to flushing away unwanted bacteria so it is important to keep your mouth moist by drinking lots of water, chewing sugarless gum, and sucking on sugarless candies. Dr. Sutor's hygienist will often provide our patients with Biotene, a fantastic line of dental toothpaste, mouth rinse, gum cleanser, etc...that assists with relieving oral dryness and the symptoms of a dry mouth.

Your Bones - As you age, your risk of weakening of the bones or osteoporosis, increases significantly. Older women with osteoporosis have been shown to be more likely to lose teeth. Dental x-rays taken by your dentist or specialist can help identify osteoporosis symptoms such as loose teeth. Check with your medical doctor about calcium and vitamin D that could be added to help decrease your chance of osteoporosis. Dr. Sutor's office has a CT scan xray machine on site as well as digital x-rays that can assist with diagnosing possible oral symptoms of osteoporosis.

Suspicious Sores - Sores that don't go away within 2 weeks can sometimes be a sign of a more serious condition. Check with your dentist or periodontist (Dr. Mark Sutor :)) if you have questions about suspicious sores you may have in your mouth. Dr. Sutor has been able to help diagnose numerous different oral conditions over the years and would be happy to evaluate your concerns at anytime.

We hope that this information has been helpful. We would love to have the opportunity to chat with you about your dental concerns! Call our office at 812-333-4550 or visit our website at www.sutordds.com. You can also check us out on facebook, twitter, and you tube. Periodontics & Dental Implant Center of Southern Indiana - Dr. Mark Sutor, the place people come to have a healthy smile!

Dealing With Cracked Corners

Cracked Corners of the Mouth
Understanding angular cheilitis or perleche

Cracking of the corners of the mouth is a common condition that is frequently seen in both the offices of dermatologists and dentists. It is known as perleche or angular cheilitis (“angular” – angles; “cheil” – lip; “itis” – inflammation). Perleche is derived from the French word, “lecher,” meaning to lick, and is characterized by excessive licking of the affected areas — either as a result of irritation or because of it. This condition is further characterized by redness and cracking of the skin at the corners of the lips.

There can be a variety of causes with the majority of them being “local,” meaning they arise from inside or around the mouth. Although uncommon, systemic (bodily) diseases may predispose to perleche as well. Once the corners of the mouth are fissured or cracked, saliva accumulation and contamination can lead to infection. The most common infection is from yeast called, “candida albicans.”

Outside The Mouth Going In

Perleche is found most often in children and younger adults who drool during their sleep and/or have orthodontic braces. In older adults, part of the aging process causes skin wrinkling with superficial or deep lines extending from the mouth and down the chin called, “marionette lines.” Wrinkling is the result of skin thinning from sun damage and constant exposure to the environment over the years, and with fat and connective tissue loss, the lips thin as well. Perleche may be more evident in the winter with colder weather and drier air. Cracking of the corners of the mouth, and subsequent licking to keep them moist, sets the stage for infection.

Inside The Mouth Going Out

Conditions inside the mouth leading to perleche include anything that affects normal and healthy saliva flow or causes mouth dryness that in turn leads to infection.
Other causes include:
Denture stomatitis (“stoma” – mouth; “itis” – inflammation) is an inflammation of the tissues under a denture. If dentures are not removed and cleaned regularly, dryness and subsequent chronic yeast infections can develop.
A lack of teeth, especially the back teeth that support the face, cheeks and lips, can lead to bite collapse with subsequent cracking or fissuring at the corners of the mouth, also giving rise to a prematurely aged look.
Systemic (general body) conditions like iron-deficiency anemia, B vitamin deficiency, diabetes and cancer can also lead to changes in the health and integrity of the oral mucous (mouth) membranes.
These conditions can predispose people to yeast infections, and perleche at the angles of the mouth.

Fixing The Cracks At The Corners

Chronic yeast infections may cause only minor discomfort while acute infections can affect the whole mouth and throat. In either case, they can be treated with a course of oral or topical antifungal (yeast) medication. Nystatin may be used as a troche (a small medicated lozenge designed to dissolve) that is rinsed with and then swallowed so that it works in the mouth and throughout the body. Antifungal ointments can also be applied liberally to the corners of the mouth several times a day to clear infection. They may be used in combination with a steroid ointment to control redness and inflammation, as well as zinc oxide paste or ointment, which is a barrier (skin) repair agent that has antifungal properties.
If infection arises from inside the mouth, it is likely to recur if only the corners of the mouth are treated. Chlorhexidine rinses can also be used to treat minor oral yeast infections. It is also effective for cleaning and scrubbing dentures; however, it is important to leave them out at night.
Optimal oral health and proper lip support from within the mouth can lessen or remove the cracking and wrinkles at the lip corners.
Although not as common, any systemic conditions that cause perleche will also need to be treated. Your dentist should also replace any missing teeth and ensure that dentures are properly fitting. Optimal oral health and proper lip support from within the mouth can lessen or remove the cracking and wrinkles at the lip corners. He/she should verify that oral hygiene is good, gum tissues are healthy and teeth decay free.
Modern dermatology can provide a variety of ways to treat lip wrinkles and marionette lines associated with perleche, and improve skin quality in general. This ranges from proper skin care to laser resurfacing. Facial fillers and fat may be used to replace the loss of connective tissue in the lips and provide support due to aging. Laser, fillers and other techniques can be used to remove both superficial and deep wrinkles and result in a healthier, rejuvenated appearance. This subject will be covered more fully in an upcoming issue of Dear Doctor magazine.

A Patient Shares Her Story

Wisdom Teeth Removal = A Pleasant Experience?

Another one of the many services Dr. Sutor provides is wisdom teeth extraction.
Not all general dentists are eager to remove wisdom teeth, either because they feel they are too difficult, or just not a service they are comfortable offering their patients. That's when they will usually refer a patient out to a surgeon. Specialists do these types of extractions routinely, therefore are much better equipped the majority of the time to offer this type of procedure.

Having a periodontist remove these wisdom teeth is also easier on the patient as it is typically a much quicker process and less traumatic. A patient can use oral sedation or nitrous with Dr. Sutor and can have a pleasant dental experience. Another benefit to having a periodontist remove your wisdom teeth is the delicacy with which they deal with removing the teeth and managing the surrounding gum tissue which can affect your overall dental health for years to come.

We would love the opportunity to consult with you if you have concerns about wisdom teeth removal or if your general dentist has suggested you have this type of procedure done.

Feel free to call us today at 812-333-4550 or visit our website and request an appointment on www.sutordds.com. You can also check us out on Facebook/Twitter/You Tube.

Why Choose Dr. Sutor?

We here at Periodontics & Dental Implant Center are proud to have a wide range of occupations, nationalities, and personalities that describe the patients in our practice. Coaches, teachers, moms, professors, students, retired, celebrities, dads, etc...all choose to have their dental health care needs taken care of by our experienced doctor and team. We thought we'd share some of the reasons they've told us that they've come and stayed!

"Everyone is always extremely warm and welcoming as well as professional at all times. Dr. Sutor is awesome and his staff is the best in the business!" David G.

"I'm very comfortable and always treated with the utmost courtesy and professionalism. I really like the e-mail contact option of communicating. Most assuredly, I would refer anyone to Dr. Sutor's with the highest recommendation." Pasty H.

"I feel like the benefit that was greatest to me was that I have better overall dental health. I can't tell the difference between my implant and my natural tooth. I plan to repeat my procedure again next year for the other side of my mouth."
Simon L.

"The dental implants Dr. Sutor did for me have given me my smile back. I feel more confident and comfortable then I have felt in years!" Linda L.

"The greatest benefit to having these implants is that they feel like normal teeth. I can't say enough good things about it and I will continue to tell others to come here and have this treatment done if needed because it really does change your life for the better." Drew W.

"I feel better about myself. As far as I'm concerned, Dr. Sutor is the best. I wouldn't go to anyone else." Sandy I.


Professionalism, Compassion, Experience, Life Changing Investment...visit us on the web at www.sutordds.com, or call us at 333-4550 to begin your story with us.

Raising the Bar with Technology

Periodontics & Dental Implant Center of Southern Indiana - Dr. Mark Sutor continues to stay at the forefront in dentistry always delivering the highest quality of service and results to our patients. We do that by keeping informed on the most up-to-date advanced techniques and equipment available. A few years ago, we raised the bar once again, with the addition of our cutting edge Pro Max 3D CT scan. It is a type of x-ray which produces high quality 3-D images of a patients upper and lower jaw, bone density, and associated structures and anatomy. This scan enables an implant surgeon to see these images quickly and use the information in preparing an implant treatment plan for a patient.

No longer do patients have to go to a radiology center for CT scan of the jaw, we can do it right here in our office. It delivers 3D images for the most accurate in office measuring capabilities of x-ray to date. This enables Dr. Sutor to precisely measure the height and width of bone prior to surgery. It allows us to locate bone structure and anatomy such as nerves, sinuses, etc... inside jaw bones with greater precision than ever before. Many times patients can have this scan taken right here in our facility on the same day as their initial consultation with results in minutes. One concern we had about referring patients out for scans is that some technicians are not trained specifically for dental scans, so the information may not be quite as accurate as we would like.

This Pro Max 3D CT scan significantly reduces the effective patient radiation dose and has less radiation then that of multiple dental x-rays. This additional imaging can allow us to develop the best implant and maxillofacial solution and treatment plan for you. This type of scan allows Dr. Sutor to evaluate your bone and gum tissue for a more definitive diagnosis and thus a better surgical outcome.

Before undergoing a CT scan, you will be asked to remove items such as eyeglasses, hearing aids, jewelry, hairpins or any other objects around your head and neck that might contain metal. This would include dentures and removable bridges. This is because metal objects can cause streaks to appear on the image and undermine its readability and accuracy. Anyone having any kind of radiographs is carefully shielded with the use of lead aprons covering all non-targeted areas.

Our cost falls right in line with the average for our area. Insurance codes for a CT scan are available. My qualified financial team will be happy to work with you to submit all pertinent information on your behalf in order to do everything we can to get coverage for you.

Many patients wonder if a CT scan is an uncomfortable or painful experience at all like being placed in a tube or a chamber and it is not! Unlike a conventional CT scanner that sometimes requires a patient to lie on their back and be pulled through a “tunnel like” machine, you stand or sit comfortably with the machine surrounding just your head and mouth area in an open air environment.

Use of this dental CT scan is just one more way Dr. Sutor continues to raise the bar in dentistry here in Southern Indiana.

We are always accepting new patients and look forward to helping you improve your life today! 812-333-4550 or check us out on the web through our website www.sutordds.com, or on facebook, twitter and You Tube.